Takeaways from Lions' Stunning 31-26 Win against Bears
The Detroit Lions expressed prior to Week 11 that they understood the significance of succeeding against divisional rivals.
Winners of 15 of its last 19 games, Detroit was seeking to continue its push towards winning the NFC North on Sunday.
In front of a capacity crowd at Ford Field that featured esteemed guests like Detroit Tigers great Willie Horton, NFL Comissioner Roger Goodell and Lions all-time sack leader Robert Porcher, Detroit played its sloppiest game of the season.
In a contest filled with penalties and turnovers, Detroit was still able to secure its eighth win of the season, winning, 31-26, in front of a frenzied crowd that watched its team rally in the fourth quarter.
Here are several takeaways from the Lions' stunning home win.
Bears executed opening script masterfully
Having won the opening coin toss, the Lions elected to put their heavily scrutinized defense on the field first to contend against the returning Justin Fields.
After missing the last month of the season, the mobile quarterback quickly got into rhythm, running the football on the Bears' opening drive and finding open rushing lanes.
The Bears were able to march down the field and score on their opening offensive drive. Fields led his team on a 10-play, 75-yard drive that was capped off by a D'Onta Foreman 1-yard scamper.
Going back to last week against the Chargers, Detroit's defense allowed its opponent to score a touchdown on six consecutive possessions.
The defense finally secured a stop after an early turnover.
Goff ineffective, tosses three interceptions
Detroit's opening offensive drive was cut short, as Chicago's defense thwarted away an attempt for the Lions to gain momentum in front of the home crowd.
After successfully moving the football early, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson intercepted a pass that was intended for Sam LaPorta. The rookie tight end was diverted from his intended route by safety Jaquan Brisker. Detroit's talented rookie ran directly into the Bears defender.
Detroit's defense was able to limit the damage, forcing the Bears to punt after their second drive took just a little over 5:00 off the clock.
In the first quarter, the Bears dominated the time of possession.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
On Detroit's second offensive possession, Goff again turned the ball over. Linebacker T.J. Edwards intercepted the veteran signal-caller, who was visibly angry walking off the field.
Detroit's defense again limited the damage, as Cam Sutton knocked the football loose from wideout Tyler Scott after a short completion from Fields. The fumble ended up being recovered by Detroit.
To close the first half, Detroit's veteran signal-caller led the offense on a 75-yard drive to secure a halftime lead, 14-10. Detroit moved the football effectively, as Amon-Ra St. Brown was the primary target.
The third-year wideout capped off the drive with a 7-yard touchdown reception. It only took a little over 90 seconds to march down the field, to end a tightly contested first half.
Lions' tackling woes on full display
Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn expressed confidence in his defense this week.
Unfortunately, the team struggled mightily in the first half to force the Bears off the field.
After tying the game on a Jahmyr Gibbs touchdown scamper, Chicago again went on a long drive that ate up much of the clock in the second quarter.
With an opportunity to get off the field on third-and-12, safety Kerby Joseph failed to wrap up D.J. Moore, which allowed the talented receiver to secure the first down. Joseph went low instead of properly wrapping up Moore.
Chicago was able to take the 10-7 lead, after a nearly 8:00 drive.
Rookie Jack Campbell also struggled in the first half with securing tackles.
Lions far too sloppy
The Lions did not play their cleanest game against their division rival.
Penalties and turnovers kept the game closer than it needed to be in front of the home crowd.
After a quick three-and-out to start the second half, Detroit's defense limited the Bears to a field goal that cut the lead to one, 14-13.
On that drive, rookie defensive back Brian Branch incurred an illegal contact penalty for hitting Fields on a key third down that extended the drive.
On the ensuing kickoff, Craig Reynolds had the football ripped loose from his possession.
The Bears recovered possession, and were able to capitalize quickly. Fields proceeded to find Chicago's coveted offseason addition, DJ Moore, on a 39-yard touchdown. It gave the Bears a 20-14 lead, midway through the third quarter.
Chicago's scoring drive only took three plays after the turnover.
On the ensuing possession for Detroit, Goff threw his third pick of the game. It gave the Bears the ball back at the Lions' 43-yard line.
Lions blitz Bears late offensively, dominate in crunch time
Seemingly out of the game, the Lions were able to muster up two fourth-quarter touchdown drives to win a game in stunning comeback fashion.
Goff, who struggled all afternoon, first connected deep with Jameson Williams on a 32-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to five, 26-21.
After Chicago attempted to milk the clock, Detroit’s defense was successful in its efforts to get the football back to Ben Johnson’s offense.
Goff then proceeded to surgically move the offense down the field.
Detroit took the lead on a David Montgomery rushing touchdown, which sent the Ford Field crowd into a frenzy.
A successful two-point conversion gave the Lions the 29-26 lead. A late safety capped off the victory for the Lions, sending their record to 8-2 for the first time since 1962.
